RAF man killed in blast named

The RAF gunner killed by a bomb attack on a convoy patrolling southern Afghanistan's main airbase was named last night as Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge from Sheffield.

He was 20 and had just started his third year in the RAF Regiment, which is heavily committed to guarding installations in Afghanistan and Iraq. He died shortly after midnight on Wednesday in an attack at Kandahar airport which also killed an Afghan civilian interpreter. Two other members of the regiment's 51 Squadron and a second interpreter were injured.

SAC Bridge, the 74th British serviceman to die in the current Afghan campaign, was described by colleagues as a "top lad" who was dependable and hardworking but known for his infectious grin.

His mother, Nicolette Williams, said: "Christopher was my pride and joy. Everybody is heartbroken who knew him. He touched so many lives. He died courageously serving his country and Queen and we are all very proud of him."